Dispenser



June 24, 1941. I \w, F OHME 2,246,693

DISPENSER Filed Feb. 28, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l www@ June 24, 1941. w, F OHME 2,246,693

DISPENSER Filed Feb, 28, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 2.07 1 vue/nm L Walter Oh'me @Mm #gw 178 i im il@ L9 Patented June 24, 1941 unirse N smre's 12 Claims.

My invention relates to dispensers for liquid substances contained Within cans and has for an object to provide an extremely simple and pracv viding a dispenser in which the contents of the can may be tapped from the can after the can has been placed in the dispenser.

A still further object of the invention resides in providing a simple and practical` tapping device for tapping the liquid from the can.

An object of the invention resides in the specic construction of the tapping device.

A feature of the invention resides in providing the tapping device with a tap tube having a piercing point and in further providing threaded means for forcing the piercing point into the can.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a resilient sleeve encircling the tap tube at the locality of the piercing point, said sleeve being adapted toengage the can and form a leakproof connection between the can and tap tube.

A still further object ofthe invention resides in providing a cylindrical holder for the can and in constructing the tapping device with a tubular guide extending through a Wall of the container and the cylindrical holder and in which the tap tube is slidably mounted and advanced by the threaded means.

Another object of the invention resides in constructing the container with a plurality of holders arranged to dispose the cans in spaced relation to one another and to the Walls of the container to form a space for the reception of a cooling rnedium for cooling the contents or the cans.

An object of the invention resides in constructing the container with a lateral Wall structure and a bottom and open at the top and in further providing a closure for the open end of the container.

A still further object of the invention resides in providing puncturing means carried by the closure for forming an air vent in the can to be` tapped.

A feature of the invention resides in constructing said puncturing means with a guide carried by the closure and a plunger sliding in the guide and having a puncturing member at the end thereof. o

Other objects of the invention reside in the novel combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter illustrated and/or described.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan View of a dispenser with the closure removed and illustrating an embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational sectional vievv talren substantially on line 2-2 oi Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is an elevational sectional view of a portion of the structure shown in Fig'. l and taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1 and drawn to a larger scale.

Fig. 4 is a plan View of a modification of the invention.

Fig. 5 is an elevational sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. Ll.

Fig, 6 is a vieW similar to Fig. 3 oi a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 4 being taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 4 and drawn to a greater scale.

In the dispensing of liquids such as used at soda fountains, the customary practice has been to pour the liquids into suitable receptacles from which the same are dispensed. This entails considerable inconvenience to the dispensing clerk. and frequently causes lack of sanitation and permits of diluting and otherwise adding substitutes and inferior products to the liquid to be dispensed. The present invention overcomes these difficulties by providing a dispenser by means of which the liquid to be dispensed is directly dispensed from the can in which the liquid is purchased.

My invention is particularly adapted to be used in conjunction with cans cylindrical in form in which the liquid to be dispensed is disposed. ne such can, designated by the reference numeral t, is shown in Fig. 3 and is constructed in the customary manner. This can contains a cylindrical Wall structure d5 which has a tcp it and a bottom 3l attached thereto. For the purpose of attaching the topand bottom to the Wall structure 35 suitable seams 3S and 3Q are provided between the same. It can readily be comprehended that the invention may be used with any `type of can and the particular construction of cans shown is merely illustrative.

My invention proper, as shown in Figs. l, 2 and 3, comprises a container lll which is cylindrical in form, having a cylindrical lateral vvall structure ll and a bottom l2 connected therewith. The container lll is open at the top and is adapted to be closed by means of a closure lil to be presently described in detail. The container lll has a jacket Ill surrounding the same, which is constructed with a lateral wall structure I5 concentric with the wall structure II and spaced therefrom, and with a bottom I6 parallel with the bottom I2 and spaced from the latter bottom. The wall structures I4 and I5 are connected together at their upper ends by means of a ledge II which holds the container IU in spaced relation with respect to the jacket I4. A space I8 is thus provided between the container and jacket in which is filled a 'suitable insulating material, indicated at I 9 in the drawings, Which insulating material prevents transfer of heat from the eX- terior to the interior of the container I0.

The closure I3 is constructed with a top 2|, preferably formed ornamental in configuration, as shown, which is provided with a depending rim 22. Within the closure I3 is disposed a plate 23 which has a rubber gasket 24 consisting of a split tube mounted on the marginal portion of the same. This gasket engages a shoulder 25 formed on the top 2l which is disposed adjacent the rim 22. The rim 22 is of such dimensions as to snugly lit about the upper portion of the jacket I4 and the gasket 24 is so situated as to engage the ledge II. By means of this construction a substantially air-tight connection is formed between the closure I3 and the receptacle IU whereby the circulation of air in-to and out of the container is minimized. The plate 23 is spaced from the top 2l to form a space 26 therebetween in which is packed a suitable insulating material which is designated by the reference numeral 21.

The plate 23 is supported from the top 2l by means of a stud 26. This stud is threaded at 29 to receive the stem 3I of a knob 32. This stem extends through the closure 2l and clamps the said stud against the underside thereof. The stud 28 is further threaded at 3U to receive a screw 33 which extends through the plate 23 and clamps the same to the underside of the said stud. In this manner the plate 23 is held in position.

The container I i), as shown in Fig. 3, is of sufficient dimensions to hold three cans 34, 34a, and 3417, as shown in Fig. l. The can 34 is the one from which the contents are being dispensed, while the cans 34a and 34h are merely reserve cans to be used when the contents of the can 34 have been emptied. For this purpose three holders 4I, 42 and 43 are employed which are attached to the bottom I2 of the container I6. The holders 42 and 43 are identical, while the holder 4I is slightly different than either of the holders 42 or 43. Only the holders 4I and 42 will hence be described in detail.

The holder 42 consists of a cylindrical shell 44 open at the bottom and at the top. This shell may be constructed of sheet metal sea-med together in any suitable manner. The lowermost portion of the shell 44 has formed on it three co-planar fragmentary flanges 46, 4I and 48. Three clips 49 are attached to the bottom I2 of the container I6 and have off-sets 5I, as shown in Fig. 2, which are adapted to overlie the flanges 46, 4'I and 48. It will be readily comprehended that, when the holder 42 is placed upon the bottom I2 with the clips 49 disposed between the flanges 46, 4l and 46, the said holder may be rotated to bring the flanges into engagement with the off-set portions 5I of the clips. When so disposed the holder 42 is removably supported on the bottom I2. Attached to the inner surface of the shell 44 near the lowermost portion thereof, are three brackets 52, which support the can 34h in elevated position above the bottom I2 of the container I0. As stated, the holder 43 is identical with the holder 42 and the same construction is used for attaching the said holder` to the bottom I2. For this reason the same reference numerals will be used to designate corresponding parts.

The can holder 4I is best shown in Fig. 3 and `consists of a tubular wall structure 53, similar to the shell 44 of the holder 42. This wall structure has connected to the lowermost portion thereof a bottom 54 which has a depending ange 55. 'Ihe lowermost edge 56 of the wall structure 53 is turned over the flange 55 to hold the parts secured together. In this manner a closed bottom is formed for the holder 4I which prevents leakage out of the said holder and into the container I0. The upper portion of the holder 4I is open the same as the holders 42 and 43. The holder 4I is supported in an inclined manner, as shown in Fig. 3, with the forward portion 57 of the edge 56 of the wall structure 53 resting upon the bottom I2 of the container I6. Rearwardly of this locality are provided two legs 58 which are soldered to the wall structure 53 of the holder 5I and also to the bottom I2 of the container I6. If desired, these legs may be secured thereto in any suitable manner. The legs 58 hold the holder 5I at the proper angle and prevent removal of the holder from the container I0.

Within the holder 4I is disposed a supporting rack 6I. This supporting rack 'consists of two cross bars 62 and 63 which are secured together at the center and which are provided with legs 64 and feet 59 issuing outwardly therefrom. The feet 59 rest upon the bottom 54 of the holder 4I, while the larger portions of the bars 62 and 63 support the can 34 at an elevated position within the holder 4I. The rack 6I may be removed from the holder 4I for the purpose of cleaning the same or th holder 4I upon the interior thereof.

A drain 65 is provided in the bottom 54 of the holder 4I and projects outwardly through the bottom I2 of the container IIl and through the lateral wall structure I5 of the jacket I4. Attached to the end of this drain is a valve 66 by means of which any liquid, which may be spilled into the holder 4I, may be removed and through which any water used in washing the said holder may be drained out of the dispenser. A similar drain 6I is connected to the bottom I2 of the container I0 and extends outwardly through the lateral wall structure I5 of the jacket I4. This drain has attached to it a valve 66.

The tapping device of the invention is best shown in Fig. 3 and comprises a tubular guide 68 formed at one end with a flange 69. This guide extends through the wall structure I5 of jacket I4 through the wall structure II of container Ill and through the wall structure 53 of holder 4I and is soldered to all of these parts to rigidly attach the same to the said parts. The flange 69 butts up against the wall structure I5. The guide 6B is internally threaded at 'I0 and in addition is formed with a keyway 1I extending through the flange 69 and throughout a portion of the length of the same.

Cooperating with the tubular guide 68 is a tap tube 'I2 which is of a somewhat smaller diameter than the bore of the guide 68. The outer end of the tap tube 'I2 has attached to it a faucet 'I4 which is provided with a handle 'I5 for operating the saine. The other end of the said tap tube is constructed with a piercing point 16 which is adapted to be forced through the wall structure 35 of the can 34 to connect the bore 11of said tap tube with the interior of the can and permit the contents of the can to flow outwardly through the said tap tube and the faucet 14. This tap tube is constructed intermediate the ends thereof with a collar 13. Said collar has secured to it a key 13 which slides in the keyway 1I and prevents rotation of the tap tube with reference to the guide 63 so that the faucet 14 is always maintained in proper position. Rotatably encircling the tap tube 12 is a nut 19 which is formed with external threads 8| adapted to screw into the threads of the guide 68. This nut engages a shoulder 82, formed on the collar 13, and urges the tap tube 12 inwardly to force the piercing point 16 through the cylindrical wall structure 35 of the can 34. The nut 19 is constructed with a head 83 which has issuing from it a number of radially extending handles 84 forming a hand grip by means of which the said nut may be readily rotated to provide sufficient force to urge the piercing point 15 through the wall structure 35 of the can 34. A sleeve 35, disposed between the end of the head 33 and a shoulder 96 on the faucet 14, restrains axial movement of the nut 19.

For the purpose of effecting a leak-proof joint between the tap tube 12 and the wall structure 35 of can 34, a flexible rubber sleeve 81 is employed which is mounted in a metal collar 83. This sleeve is slidably mounted on the end of the tap tube 12 adjacent the piercing point 16 and is urged outwardly by means of a compression coil spring 39 encircling the said tap tube and seated at one end against the collar 13 and at its other end against the metal collar 88. As the piercing point 16 is forced into the wall structure 35 of the can, the sleeve 81 contacts the wall structure and forms a seal between the said wall structure and tap tube 12 preventing leakage of the contents of the can through the jointformed between these parts.

In order to provide an air hole at the uppermost portion of the can a construction is employed which is best shown in Fig. 3. Attached to the plate 23 of the closure I3 is a tubular guide 9| which is formed at its lower end with a relatively small bore 92 and at its upper end with an enlarged bore 93. The stem 94 of a plunger 95 is guided for movement in the bore 92, while the plunger proper is guided in the bore 93. The stem 94 has attached to it, upon the lowermost endthereof, a head 96 which is formed with a puncturing member 91. The guide 9| is so` disposed that the puncturing member 91 is situated above the top 36 of the can 34. Plunger 95 has attached to the protruding end thereof a knob 98. When pressure is applied to the knob 93 the puncturing member 91 is forced downwardly and into the top 36 of the can 34 forming an air hole 99 therein. A spring 90 encircling the stem 94 serves to raise the plunger 95. Upon removal of pressure from the knob 98 the plunger 95 is raised and the hole 99 opened to permit of air flowing into the interior of the can 34. In

this manner the contents of the can are allowed-A to flow out of the can by gravity through the tap tube 12 and faucet 14.

The manner of using the invention is obvious. The tap tube 12 is first removed by unscrewing the nut 19 through the handles 84. Closure I3 is next removed and a full can of the liquid to be dispensed, such as the can 34, is inserted into the holder 53. The said can is lowered until the bottom 31 thereof rests upon the supporting rack 6I. The tap tube 12 is then inserted into the guide 68 and the nut 19 is screwed into the threads 10 to advance the piercing point 16 toward the wall 35 of the can 34. The rack 6I is of such a height that the said piercing point engages the wall structure 35 in close proximity to the seam 39 of said can. As the nut 19 is rotated the point 16 is forced through the wall structure 35 and the bore 11 of the tap tube12 brought `into communication with the interior of the can. At the same` time the end of the sleeve 81 is forced into contact with the outer surface of the wall structure 35 of can 34 to effect a seal between the can and tap tube. When a connection has been made between the said tap tube and can the closure I3 is replaced in such a manner that the puncturing member 91 is situated above the top 36 of the can. Pressure is then applied to the knob 98 of plunger 95 and the puncturing member 91 forced through the top 35 of the can to form the air hole 99. Upon release of pressure on knob 96 spring 90 releases plunger 95 thereby withdrawing the puncturing member 91from the hole 99. The dispenser is now ready for use. Upon turning handle 15 the contents of the can 34 flow out through the nozzle of the faucet 14 and may be dispensed, as desired. While the gasket 24 of closure I3 forms a seal between the said closure and the ledge I1 of container I9 I have found, however, that sufficient air leaks past the same to replace the liquid removed from the can 34. If, however, insufcient air would iiow past the said gasket a separate air passageway mightbe provided through the closure I3 which has not been shown in the drawings. When the can 34 has been emptied closure I3 is removed and the tap tube 12 withdrawn from engagement with the said can by manipulation of the handles 34. The emptied can may then be withdrawn from the holder 4I and one of the cans 34a or 34h inserted into the said holder. The process is then repeated.

In the use of the invention where it becomes desirable to maintain the liquid within the cans at a predetermined temperature ice or any other refrigerating medium may be inserted within the interior of the container I9 and between the various holders 4I, 42 and 43. This serves to cool the cans. Due to the particular shape of the holders the ice is prevented from getting in between the holders and cans, and at the same time is sufficiently close to the cans to rapidly cool the cans and contents. Where ice is used the water formed may be removed through the drain 61 and valve 63.

In Figs. 4, 5 and 6 I have shown a modification of the invention. In this form of the invention a container IlI) is shown which is similar in construction to the container I3 and differs therefrom principally in that the saine is ovular in shape and is adapted to receive two can holders I4I and |42 instead of three can holders as in the other form of the invention. This container is surrounded by a jacket II5, similar to the jacket I5, and the space therebetween is filled with a suitable insulating material II9. The container I I9 is closed by a cover I I3. Inasmuch as the construction of the container IIII, the holders |4I and |42, and the closure II3 are substantially the same as the corresponding parts of the other form of the invention the descrip-4 tionthereof will not be repeated and the same reference numerals preceded by the digit 1 will be used to designate corresponding parts.

The tapping device of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 differs somewhat from the tapping device of the other form of the invention. For the sake of convenience corresponding parts will be referred to by the same reference numerals used to identify the parts of the other form of the invention and will be preceded by the digit 1. I'he description of these parts will not be repeated. In this form of the invention the tap tube |12 has attached to it a collar 20| which is formed with a groove 202. Rotatably mounted in this groove is the flange 203 of a sleeve nut 204. The guide |68 of this form of the invention is provided with external threads |09, while the sleeve nut 204 is internally threaded at |8| to screw upon the threads |89. A washer 205, secured to the end of the collar 20 l, maintains the sleeve nut 204 rotatably mounted in the groove 202. It will readily become apparent that, as the nut 204 is rotated, the tap tube |12 is advanced along the bore 206 of the guide |08. The tap tube |12 is maintained concentric within the Ibore 206 by means of the collar |13 and by means of another similar collar 201 attached to the same. Rotation of the tap tube |12 is prevented by means of a pin 208 which is attached to the collar 20| and which slides in a drilled hole 209 formed in the guide |68. The method of operating this form of the invention and the method of providing the seal between the can and the tap tube is the same as that described in conjunction with the other form of the invention.

The advantages of my invention are manifest. An extremely simple and practical construction is provided for the purpose. Considerable time is saved by utilizing my invention. With my improved dispenser the mess, ordinarily resulting from the old method of using syrups or liquids at soda fountains, is avoided, The cans can be quickly placed in the dispenser and tapped to withdraw the contents therefrom. After the device is used the liquid within the can can be conveniently withdrawn as required. With my lnvention the cans and contents can be maintained at a suitable temperature, if desired. My invention provides for extreme sanitation.

Changes in the specific form of my invention, as herein disclosed, may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, a container including a lateral wall, a holder for a can within said container, a can within said holder, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through the lateral wall thereof near the bottom of the container, a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a piercing point on the end of the tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lower portion thereof, means acting between said guide and tap tube for advancing the tap tube along the guide to force the piercing point through the can, and means forming a leakproof connection Ibetween the can and tap tube.

2. In combination, a container including a lateral Wall, a holder for a can Within said container, a can within said holder, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through the lateral Wall thereof near the bottom of the container, a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a piercing point on the end of the tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lower portion thereof, means acting between said guide and tap tube for advancing the tap tube along the guide to force the piercing point through the can, means forming a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube, and means carried by said closure for puncturing the upper portion of the can.

3. In combination, a container including a lateral wall, a holder for a can within said container, a can within said holder, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through the lateral wall thereof near the bottom of the container, a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a piercing point on the end of the tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lower portion thereof, means acting between said guide and tap tube for advancing the tap tube along the guide to force the piercing point through the can, means forming a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube, a guide carried by said closure, a plunger reciprocable within said guide, and a puncturing member carried by said plunger and adapted to puncture the uppermost portion of the can for forming an air hole therein.

4. In combination, a container including a lateral wall, a holder for a can within said container, a can within said holder, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through the lateral wall thereof near the bottom 0f the container, a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a piercing point on the end of the tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lower portion thereof, means acting between said guide and tap tube for advancing the tap tube along the guide to force the piercing point through the can, means forming a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube, a guide carried by said closure, a plunger reciprocable within said guide, a puncturing member carried by said plunger and adapted to puncture the uppermost portion of the can for forming an air hole therein, and resilient means for moving said plunger along said guide in a direction away from the can to withdraw the puncturing member from the air hole.

5. In combination, a container, a can within said container, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through a wall thereof, said guide being formed with threads upon the interior thereof, a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a shoulder on said tap tube, means for preventing rotation of said tap tube, a piercing point on the end of said tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lowermost portion thereof, a nut encircling said tap tube and having external threads engaging the threads of said tubular guide, said nut engaging said shoulder and advancing the tap tube along said guide for forcing the piercing point through the can, and means for forming a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube.

6. In combination, a container, a can Within said container, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through a wall thereof, said guide being formed with threads upon the exterior thereof, a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a shoulder on said tap tube, means for preventing rotation of said tap tube, a piercing point on the end of said tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lowermost portion thereof, a nut encircling said tap tube and having internal threads engaging the threads of said tubular guide, said nut engaging said shoulder and advancing the tap tube along said guide for forcing the piercing point through the can, and means for forming a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube.

7. In combination, a container, a can within said container, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through a wall thereof, said guide being formed with threads, .a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a piercing point on the end of the tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lowermost portion thereof, threaded means engageable with the tap tube and adapted to engage the threads of said tubular guide for advancing the tap tube along said guide and forcing the piercing point through the can, a fiexible sleeve encircling said tap tube at the locality of said piercing point Iand forming a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube.

8. In combination, a container, a can within said container, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through a wall thereof, said guide being formed with threa-ds, a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a piercing point on the end tof the tap tube yadapted to engage the can near the lowermost portion thereof, threaded means engageable with the tap tube and adapted to engage the threads of said tubular guide -for advancing the tap tube along said guide and fencing the piercing point through the can, a exible sleeve encircling said tap tube and disposed -at the locality of said piercing point, and resilient means acting between said tap tube and sleeve for urging the sleeve against the can to form a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube.

9. In combination, a container, a can Within said container, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through a wall thereof, said guide being formed with threads, a tap tube disposed within said tubular guide, said tap tube having a collar slidably mounted in said guide, a .piercing point on the end of the tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lowermost portion thereof, threaded means engageable with the tap tube `and adapted to engage the threads of the tubular guide for advancing the tap tube along the guide and forcing the piercing point through the can, a flexible sleeve encircling said tap tube and disposed at the locality of said piercing point and resilient means acting between said collar and sleeve for urging the sleeve against the can to form a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube.

10. In combination, a container, a cylindrical holder within said container for the reception of a can, a tubular guide carried by the container and extending through a Wall of said container and said holder, said guide being for-ined with threads, a tap tube slidably mounted in said tubular guide, a piercing point on the end of the tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lowermost portion thereof, threaded means engageable with the tap tube and adapted to engage the threads of said tubular guide lfor advancing the tap tube along said guide and forcing the piercing point through the can, and means for forming a leak-proof connection between the c-an and tap tube.

11. In combination, a container, a can within said container, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through a wall thereof, a tap tube slidabiy mounted in said tubular guide, -a piercing point on the end of the tap tube adapted to engage the can near the lowermost portion thereof, means acting between the tap tube and guide for advancing the tap tube along said guide and forcing the piercing point through the can, and means for forming a leak-proof connection between the c-an and tap tube.

12. In combination, a container, a -plurality of can holders within said container, having .cans therein, a tubular guide carried by said container and extending through a wa'll thereof, a tap tube slid-ably mounted in said tubular guide, a piercing point on the end of said tap tube, said` guide being positioned to bring said piercing point into :proximity to one of said cans, means acting between said guide and tap tube for advancing the tap tube along said guide and forcing the piercing point through the can, means for forming a leak-proof connection between the can and tap tube, the cans when being held by said holders being disposed in spaced relation to one another and to the walls of the container to form a space thereabout for the reception of a cooling medium.

WALTER F. OHME. 

